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Don’t Let Halloween Create a Workplace Nightmare

By Stephanie Dillon posted 09-24-2025 09:11 AM

  

According to Catapult’s 2025 Interaction of Workplace Culture & Employee Engagement, 44% of surveyed organizations utilize team-building activities as part of their employee engagement strategy. This includes workplace social gatherings. There are many ways to have a fun time with Halloween at work without creating a workplace nightmare.  

Employees can get creative with spooky baked goods; a favorite is always the dirt worm cake! Or bring in tasty fall treats, such as pumpkin bread and apple cider.  

Another fun way to bring employees together is to have contests for the best office decorations or best costumes. There are some very important disclaimers that should be considered when encouraging employee costumes: 

  • Safety – Employees should not wear costumes that inhibit their job functions or could create a safety risk. For example, a machine operator still needs to be able to complete their tasks and should avoid flowy objects that could get caught in the machine.  

  • Company Dress Code – All costumes should remain in line with the company’s everyday dress code policy. Employees are still at work and must maintain a professional image. Employees should be reminded of any dress code expectations that are unique to your organization.  

  • Stay Away from Controversy – This is a very broad spectrum, which makes it the most complicated issue. It should be clear that anything derogatory in nature towards race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected by state or local law is off limits. Further topics to avoid are politics and weapons. Props that resemble guns, knives, etc., are not allowed.  

    • Also, keep in mind that not everyone celebrates Halloween. Make sure your company messaging around Halloween activities stresses that they are optional and consistent with your EEO policies.  

All managers and employees should be informed of these guidelines prior to the Halloween festivities. Managers need to further understand their duty to enforce these points. They should be prepared to send employees home to change those who don’t comply with the guidelines. And don’t forget to have fun!  

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